Seattle restaurants we miss

By VANESSA HO AND LYNSI BURTON

Photo: King County Department of Assessments

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Seattle's Old Spaghetti Factory announced last month it will close Dec. 23, 2016. After 46 years of family-friendly, tomato-sauce-stained fun, the restaurant is closing after the building was sold to a pair of developers. Plans and timing couldn't align to keep the waterfront staple in place, even if its aging canning warehouse building will remain as part of the redevelopment.

Pictured: Waiter Tom Baehr poured a carafe of wine from the bulk wine tanks at the Old Spaghetti Factory in March 1970. less

Seattle's Old Spaghetti Factory announced last month it will close Dec. 23, 2016. After 46 years of family-friendly, tomato-sauce-stained fun, the restaurant is closing after the building was sold to a pair of

Seattle's Old Spaghetti Factory announced last month it will... Photo-755713.61647 - seattlepi.com

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In yet another act of Seattle gentrification, Mama's Mexican Kitchen in Belltown is moving out its Elvis room and closing to make way for apartments, we reported May 21, 2015. It's now set to end service March 31.

The quirky and affordable Mexican restaurant has been a Belltown mainstay at Second Avenue and Bell Street for 42 years.

In yet another act of Seattle gentrification, Mama's Mexican Kitchen in Belltown is moving out its Elvis room and closing to make way for apartments, we reported May 21, 2015. It's now set to end service March

Catfish Corner opened in 1985 in the heart of the Central District, and served fried catfish, hushpuppies and cornbread with an unpretentious air. It closed in August of 2014.

Catfish Corner opened in 1985 in the heart of the Central District, and served fried catfish, hushpuppies and cornbread with an unpretentious air. It closed in August of 2014.

Photo: Google Street View

Catfish Corner opened in 1985 in the heart of the Central... Photo-6785712.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Rosie and Woody Jackson, pictured, opened Catfish Corner in Seattle in 1985, after people raved about their popular home fish-fries. Around for nearly 30 years, Catfish Corner closed in August of 2014. More details here. The couple is pictured in 2006. less

Rosie and Woody Jackson, pictured, opened Catfish Corner in Seattle in 1985, after people raved about their popular home fish-fries. Around for nearly 30 years, Catfish Corner closed in August of 2014. More ... more

Piecora's Pizza: Piecora's in Capitol Hill had big booths, hot pizza, cold pitchers and friendly service. It catered to everyone, from neighborhood hipsters to families of soccer kids. But after more than 30 years in the neighborhood, the Piecora family called it quits in April of 2014 after selling its property to a huge apartment developer.

Piecora's Pizza: Piecora's in Capitol Hill had big booths, hot pizza, cold pitchers and friendly service. It catered to everyone, from neighborhood hipsters to families of soccer kids. But after more than 30 ... more

Silver Fork: After 24 years anchoring a busy corner on Rainier Avenue South, the Silver Fork closed in May of 2013. It had great eggs, grits and atmosphere, and was often full of South Seattle regulars.

When it closed, the owner said that Safeway, which owned the property, was planning to put a gas station and convenience store in its place.

Silver Fork: After 24 years anchoring a busy corner on Rainier Avenue South, the Silver Fork closed in May of 2013. It had great eggs, grits and atmosphere, and was often full of South Seattle regulars.

Ivar's Seafood Bar in Ballard was a lonely, plain Jane in an often empty parking lot. But as the neighborhood grew alluring and pricey, Ivar's remained its unassuming, fast-food self, serving fish and chips to all kinds of people, fancy or otherwise. After being unable to work out a lease agreement, it closed in April of 2014. less

Ivar's Seafood Bar in Ballard was a lonely, plain Jane in an often empty parking lot. But as the neighborhood grew alluring and pricey, Ivar's remained its unassuming, fast-food self, serving fish and chips to ... more

Roy's BBQ in Columbia City was famous for its signature Georgia Gold pulled pork sandwich, slathered in tangy mustard barbecue sauce.

Roy's BBQ in Columbia City was famous for its signature Georgia Gold pulled pork sandwich, slathered in tangy mustard barbecue sauce.

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Roy's BBQ in Columbia City was famous for its signature... Photo-4571106.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Roy's BBQ was also known for its artwork and skinny hole-in-the-wall spot. It closed in early 2011.

Roy's BBQ was also known for its artwork and skinny hole-in-the-wall spot. It closed in early 2011.

Photo: Scott Eklund, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Roy's BBQ was also known for its artwork and skinny... Photo-4571107.61647 - seattlepi.com

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For years, Chez Shea was a romantic, hidden gem in the Pike Place Market, perfect for a date with its view of the bay and sexy French Northwest cuisine.

For years, Chez Shea was a romantic, hidden gem in the Pike Place Market, perfect for a date with its view of the bay and sexy French Northwest cuisine.

Photo: Scott Eklund

For years, Chez Shea was a romantic, hidden gem in the Pike Place... Photo-4571108.61647 - seattlepi.com

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In its heyday, Crave in Capitol Hill was a favorite place for mac n' cheese, crab gratin and other high-caloric comfort food. Then it struggled and closed in 2008.

In its heyday, Crave in Capitol Hill was a favorite place for mac n' cheese, crab gratin and other high-caloric comfort food. Then it struggled and closed in 2008.

Photo: King County King County Departm

In its heyday, Crave in Capitol Hill was a favorite place for mac... Photo-4571105.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Koraku served Japanese home-style cooking for 38 years in the International District, where regulars came for fried mackerel and steaming ramen. They included former Mariners pitcher Kazuhiro Sasaki. It closed in 2003. less

Koraku served Japanese home-style cooking for 38 years in the International District, where regulars came for fried mackerel and steaming ramen. They included former Mariners pitcher Kazuhiro Sasaki. It closed ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

Koraku served Japanese home-style cooking for 38 years in the... Photo-4571109.61647 - seattlepi.com

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That howling you heard in recent years was from Seattle foodies again, this time over the closing of Elemental@Gasworks and wine-bar sibling Elemental Next Door. The Wallingford restaurant, hidden and unmarked, was known for truffle popcorn, wine pairings and elegant tasting courses. Pictured are Phred Westfall (L) and Laurie Riedeman, who owned the businesses. less

That howling you heard in recent years was from Seattle foodies again, this time over the closing of Elemental@Gasworks and wine-bar sibling Elemental Next Door. The Wallingford restaurant, hidden and unmarked, ... more

Photo: Mike Urban, Seattle Post-Intelligencer

That howling you heard in recent years was from Seattle foodies... Photo-4571111.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Seattle once had Ms. Helen's Soul Food in the Central District, where Helen Coleman, pictured, served her famous pork chops, corn cakes, oxtails and collard greens. She moved to Deano's Cafe & Lounge after the Nisqually earthquake damaged her building, but that closed too. less

Seattle once had Ms. Helen's Soul Food in the Central District, where Helen Coleman, pictured, served her famous pork chops, corn cakes, oxtails and collard greens. She moved to Deano's Cafe & Lounge after the ... more

Photo: MIKE URBAN, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

Seattle once had Ms. Helen's Soul Food in the Central... Photo-4571104.61647 - seattlepi.com

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No, the burgers weren't the best, but the Red Robin in Eastlake was a popular spot for UW students and families alike. And it was the first Red Robin in the country, around for 40 years. It closed in 2010.

No, the burgers weren't the best, but the Red Robin in Eastlake was a popular spot for UW students and families alike. And it was the first Red Robin in the country, around for 40 years. It closed in 2010.

Opened in 1937, the Twin Teepees, on Aurora Avenue North near Green Lake, was razed after a fire in 2000. It was part of a vanishing generation of roadside businesses and a one-time workplace of cook Harland ... more

Photo: ROBIN LAYTON

Opened in 1937, the Twin Teepees , on Aurora Avenue North near... Photo-4571112.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Generations of Ballard High School teens hung out at Zesto's for its burgers, fries and jukebox cool. It opened in 1952 and was known for a while as the place with the '57 Chevy on its roof. It closed in early 2012. less

Generations of Ballard High School teens hung out at Zesto's for its burgers, fries and jukebox cool. It opened in 1952 and was known for a while as the place with the '57 Chevy on its roof. It closed in early ... more

Photo: Zesto's

Generations of Ballard High School teens hung out at Zesto's... Photo-4571113.61647 - seattlepi.com

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After more than a decade, Belltowners bid farewell to Brasa in 2010. But Capitol Hillers got to say hello to chef/owner Tamara Murphy's new venture, Terra Plata. (seattlepi.com photo).

After more than a decade, Belltowners bid farewell to Brasa in 2010. But Capitol Hillers got to say hello to chef/owner Tamara Murphy's new venture, Terra Plata. (seattlepi.com photo).

After more than a decade, Belltowners bid farewell to Brasa in... Photo-4571114.61647 - seattlepi.com

Say what you want about Marie Callender's. But there were likely tears in the chicken pot pie when this national chain went bankrupt and abruptly shut down its Northgate location in 2011.

Say what you want about Marie Callender's. But there were likely tears in the chicken pot pie when this national chain went bankrupt and abruptly shut down its Northgate location in 2011.

Photo: Getty Images

Say what you want about Marie Callender's . But there were... Photo-4571117.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Webster's Charlestown Street Cafe was a West Seattle institution for decades, where Hesper Guerra, pictured, had worked for about 20 years, after graduating from high school. Customers loved her. (GILBERT W. ARIAS / Seattle Post-Intelligencer) less

Webster's Charlestown Street Cafe was a West Seattle institution for decades, where Hesper Guerra, pictured, had worked for about 20 years, after graduating from high school. Customers loved her. (GILBERT W. ... more

For decades, the Polynesian-themed Lani Kai Restaurant served regulars at the '60s-era Leilani Lanes bowling alley in Greenwood. It closed in 2005. Pictured is longtime waitress Louise Adams and former regular Wayne Luders. less

For decades, the Polynesian-themed Lani Kai Restaurant served regulars at the '60s-era Leilani Lanes bowling alley in Greenwood. It closed in 2005. Pictured is longtime waitress Louise Adams and former regular ... more

Italian Spaghetti House & Pizzeria in Lake City was an old-fashioned family kind of place, with giant plates, big pies, old-school waitresses and spumoni.

Italian Spaghetti House & Pizzeria in Lake City was an old-fashioned family kind of place, with giant plates, big pies, old-school waitresses and spumoni.

Photo: 2012 Google Street View

Italian Spaghetti House & Pizzeria in Lake City was an... Photo-4571122.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Lampreia, the Belltown shrine to haute cuisine, was a minimalist, ultra-expensive experience described as "heaven or hell" in a P-I review. But it helped put Seattle on the fine-dining map in the '90s. Lampreia's replacement, Bisato - also by chef Scott Carsberg - has also closed. Pictured is Lampreia's dish of egg with minced truffles and zucchini flower stuffed with ricotta. less

Lampreia, the Belltown shrine to haute cuisine, was a minimalist, ultra-expensive experience described as "heaven or hell" in a P-I review. But it helped put Seattle on the fine-dining map in the '90s. ... more

Andy's served its last steak and bourbon in 2008. By that time, it was considered a well-known landmark, in which one Franklin Roosevelt had reportedly used one of the rail cars for his1944 re-election campaign. less

Andy's served its last steak and bourbon in 2008. By that time, it was considered a well-known landmark, in which one Franklin Roosevelt had reportedly used one of the rail cars for his1944 re-election ... more

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Andy's served its last steak and bourbon in 2008. By that... Photo-4571127.61647 - seattlepi.com

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For years, Café Septieme in Capitol Hill was a favorite spot for breakfast and brunch. By the time it closed around the end of 2009, it was less of a favorite. But it's still missed.

For years, Café Septieme in Capitol Hill was a favorite spot for breakfast and brunch. By the time it closed around the end of 2009, it was less of a favorite. But it's still missed.

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

For years, Café Septieme in Capitol Hill was a favorite spot for... Photo-4571128.61647 - seattlepi.com

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No, we don't miss steakhouses with servers in kimonos. But the New Grove Restaurant, at Sixth and Wall, was part of a wave of exotic, themed restaurants of the '50s. It would later become a drinking hole for Seattle Post-Intelligencer journalists, when the newsroom was nearby. less

No, we don't miss steakhouses with servers in kimonos. But the New Grove Restaurant, at Sixth and Wall, was part of a wave of exotic, themed restaurants of the '50s. It would later become a drinking hole for ... more

When the 24-hour Dog House closed in 1994, many said it was the end of an era. Pictured is Laurie Gulbransen, who ran the Dog House for nearly 60 years.

When the 24-hour Dog House closed in 1994, many said it was the end of an era. Pictured is Laurie Gulbransen, who ran the Dog House for nearly 60 years.

Photo: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

When the 24-hour Dog House closed in 1994, many said it was the... Photo-4571134.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Still Life Cafe served soup and bread in a cute setting, when Fremont was still funky.

Still Life Cafe served soup and bread in a cute setting, when Fremont was still funky.

Photo: SCOTT EKLUND / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Still Life Cafe served soup and bread in a cute setting, when... Photo-4571135.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Big Top at the Northgate Mall (pictured in 1968) was part of a local restaurant empire belonging to Walter Clark, an industry giant for decades. Seattle boomers might remember Big Top's circus theme.

Big Top at the Northgate Mall (pictured in 1968) was part of a local restaurant empire belonging to Walter Clark, an industry giant for decades. Seattle boomers might remember Big Top's circus theme.

Photo: Seattle Municipal Archives

Big Top at the Northgate Mall (pictured in 1968) was part of a... Photo-4571136.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Trattoria Mitchelli was a favorite Italian restaurant in Pioneer Square for first dates, pre-Art Walk drinks, and 2 a.m. tiramisu cravings. Then it went downhill, before going dark around the end of 2009.

Trattoria Mitchelli was a favorite Italian restaurant in Pioneer Square for first dates, pre-Art Walk drinks, and 2 a.m. tiramisu cravings. Then it went downhill, before going dark around the end of 2009.

Axis defined Belltown in the '90s - for good or bad - with its sexy-people vibe. Then the owner got tired of the "late-night-young-crowd," closed the restaurant in 2005 and moved on, according to an old P-I article. less

Axis defined Belltown in the '90s - for good or bad - with its sexy-people vibe. Then the owner got tired of the "late-night-young-crowd," closed the restaurant in 2005 and moved on, according to an old P-I ... more

Photo: King County Department Of Assessments

Axis defined Belltown in the '90s - for good or bad - with... Photo-4571138.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Sit & Spin was a fine place to see shows, drink beer, do some laundry, play games. And yes, eat.

Sit & Spin was a fine place to see shows, drink beer, do some laundry, play games. And yes, eat.

Photo: King County Department Of Assessments

Sit & Spin was a fine place to see shows, drink beer, do some... Photo-4571140.61647 - seattlepi.com

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Mr. B's Hamburgers: No, we don't remember this place, identified as having been in West Seattle, by someone on the Seattle Municipal Archives Flickr site. But burgers for 45 cents and ham and eggs for 85 cents sound pretty good. Photo is from 1954. less

Does anyone remember The Wharf in Fisherman's Terminal? It was there for 30 years, until it closed in the mid-80s. The Seattle Times described it has having lounge acts with "ventriloquists, Elvis imitators and song-and-dance routines." Sounds fun. less

Does anyone remember The Wharf in Fisherman's Terminal? It was there for 30 years, until it closed in the mid-80s. The Seattle Times described it has having lounge acts with "ventriloquists, Elvis imitators and ... more